The public is invited to participate in an evaluation of recreation sites in the Six Rivers National Forest to ensure they provide the best recreation opportunities in the right locations. "We are committed to responsibly serving the public by efficiently operating and, when necessary, modifying the services we offer to ensure recreation sites provide the right opportunities in the right places," said Forest Supervisor Tyrone Kelley. The study will specifically look at the operation and maintenance of campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, boat ramps and information stations.

All 155 National Forests nationwide are taking steps to create a sustainable program that aligns their developed recreation sites with the type of recreational experiences desired by visitors. The outcome of a seven-step evaluation process, called the Recreation Site Facilities Master Plan, will be a five-year program of work that focuses on the management of developed recreation sites on the forest.

"I look forward to working with interested people to ensure our developed recreation sites are efficiently operated, take into consideration our visitors' desires and reflect the forest's special characteristics," said Kelley. "One of the positive things about this process is that it looks into the future to determine what kinds of recreation sites will best fit our forest and our visitors' expectations. Each of the 48 developed sites will be evaluated using the best available data and information from the public," continued Kelley.

According to Jean Hawthorne, Recreation and Engineering Staff Officer, the Forest Service is completing step one in the process which updates the Forest's inventory of recreation sites and assembles estimates of operation and maintenance costs, as well as the amount of deferred maintenance for each site. "The public is now welcome to help in step two, which involves identifying the Forest's recreation "niche", a summary paragraph about Six River's distinctive contributions to outdoor recreation opportunities," said Hawthorne.

The public has until July 17, to provide input on the Forest niche. There are a number of ways the public can provide input:

* The public is invited to attend a workshop to learn more about the Recreation Site Facilities Master Plan process and help determine the focus of the Forestís recreation niche on July 16, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The workshop will be held at Six Rivers National Forest, 1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, California. * Input can be mailed to Jean Hawthorne, at Six Rivers National Forest, 1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, California about: o recreation opportunities unique to the Six Rivers, o what forest visitors enjoy most, o how forest recreation affects local communities, and o forest recreation opportunities that are important for the long-term. * Fill out a response form online at www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers/rsfmp.

These are the first of several opportunities the public will have to become involved in this project. For information about this project, call Jean Hawthorne at 707-441-3543. Information is also available on the Six Rivers National Forest website located at www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers/rsfmp.